The Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin MP, recently joined General Manager Ross Alatsas on 3XY Radio Hellas for an insightful discussion about his personal background, political journey, and vision for Victoria. During his visit, he had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Craig, CEO of the Hellenic Museum, and exploring the museum’s remarkable exhibition. Mr. Battin was highly impressed by the outstanding displays and the excellent facilities of the Greek Media Group.
A life rooted in Berwick
Battin, who has led the Liberal Party since December 27 of last year, shared his deep connection to his electorate, Berwick. Born and raised in the area, he emphasized its sense of community, recalling his early days as a paperboy and his education in small local schools.
Married for nearly 26 years, Battin spoke fondly of his wife and two daughters, one of whom resides in regional Victoria while the other remains at home. His professional career before politics included serving as a police officer, owning a Baker’s Delight franchise, and working in the justice sector. Beyond work, his passion for volunteering has been evident through his involvement with the Fred Hollows Foundation, local football clubs, and fundraising initiatives, particularly for brain cancer research.
Berwick’s growth and development
Alatsas and Battin discussed the remarkable transformation of Berwick, noting key developments such as hospitals and the local university. Battin reflected on the area’s past, recalling that the current university site was once the Berwick Airport. With continued population growth, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that local infrastructure keeps pace with demand.
Taking on the leadership amidst political turmoil
Stepping into the Liberal Party’s leadership over the Christmas period was no small task. Battin acknowledged the pressures but highlighted his commitment to uniting the party and engaging with stakeholders. While admitting that the transition was challenging, he stressed the importance of open communication within the party, fostering a collaborative approach to policymaking and governance.
Addressing Victoria’s challenges
A key focus of the discussion was the state of Victoria, with Battin expressing concern over rising crime rates, cost-of-living pressures, and issues in healthcare and infrastructure. He pointed out that crime rates have surged, referencing Victoria Police’s own statistics.
“We’re seeing more homes being broken into, and police resources are stretched. Many officers tell me they arrest offenders only to see them released within an hour”, Battin stated.
He called for reforms in policing strategies, including a return to visible foot patrols and greater support for law enforcement to enhance community safety.
The Liberal Party’s vision
With the next state election on the horizon, Battin outlined the Liberal Party’s priorities, which include tackling crime, easing cost-of-living pressures, and restoring pride in Victoria. He highlighted the importance of engaging with business and community leaders to shape policies that reflect the needs of all Victorians.
“We need to create an environment where investors feel confident to invest in Victoria again” he said, adding that businesses need assurance that government policies won’t hinder their growth.
Engagement with the Greek Community
In closing, Battin emphasized his commitment to listening to diverse communities, including the Greek-Australian population. He acknowledged the contributions of Greek Australians to Victoria’s cultural and economic landscape and encouraged open dialogue to address their concerns.
“We should be speaking to the Greek community to understand what they need from government”, he noted, reinforcing his belief in grassroots engagement.
Moving forward
Battin’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the Victorian Liberal Party. With a focus on rebuilding public confidence and addressing critical issues, his approach seeks to position the party as a viable alternative in the next election.
As Victoria navigates ongoing challenges, Battin’s message was clear: proactive leadership, community engagement, and practical solutions are the keys to restoring confidence in the state’s future.
